The following video segments illustrate a range of assessment methods in social studies classrooms. Before you watch these segments, you'll need to print the Viewing Chart (PDF) you will use to analyze the teachers' goals and to connect their strategies to your practice. Complete the Viewing Chart as you watch, then compare your answers to those of the workshop participants in the video.

Go to this segment in the video by matching the image (to the left) on your TV screen. You'll find this segment approximately 11 minutes into the video. Watch for about 20 minutes.

In the first classroom segment, Meylin Gonzalez's kindergarten class is studying economic concepts in a lesson that defines "needs" and "wants," modeling an assignment that each student will complete. In the second classroom segment, Osvaldo Rubio's class is studying the California Missions in a lesson that culminates in final presentations on each mission. In this segment, Mr. Rubio asks students to develop research questions they will use to guide their projects.

Save your written work to submit as an assignment.

Now that you've read about and watched a variety of assessment methods and strategies, consider your goals in the classroom and answer the following questions:

Which of the methods and strategies you've read about or observed are most relevant to your work? Why?

What are some ways you can begin to incorporate these strategies into your practice?